Iowa’s six statewide food banks are sounding the alarm over a looming funding shortfall for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) hotline. The hotline, which helps families in crisis sign up for nutrition assistance, has become a lifeline for many Iowans who are unsure where their next meal will come from.
Federal share reduced to a quarter
Currently, the food banks cover half of the hotline’s operating costs while the federal government matches the other half. Beginning Oct. 1, the federal contribution will shrink to just 25 percent, leaving the nonprofit network to shoulder three‑quarters of the expense.
“I had a neighbor call me the other day, and she was using a friend’s cell phone, and she was digging through a dumpster to try to find something to eat,” said Seth Fox, an employee of the SNAP hotline. “It’s either I pay my rent, or I put food in the fridge. And people are just unable to make ends meet.”
Additional $170,000 needed
The reduction is part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, passed by the Iowa legislature last summer. To keep the hotline operational, the food banks will need to raise an additional $170,000.
Food‑bank leaders stress that the need for SNAP enrollment has never been higher. “We are seeing a surge in calls from families who are on the brink of hunger,” said a spokesperson for the Iowa Food Bank Network. “If the hotline can’t stay open, many will lose the opportunity to receive vital assistance.”
What’s at stake for Iowans
The SNAP hotline provides a direct, confidential way for individuals to learn about eligibility, complete applications, and receive guidance on maintaining benefits. Without adequate funding, wait times could increase, and some callers may never complete the enrollment process.
Community groups and faith‑based organizations are already mobilizing to fill the gap. Local churches, civic clubs, and charitable foundations are being asked to contribute to a fundraising campaign that aims to secure the necessary $170,000 before the October deadline.
How residents can help
Donations can be made directly to the Iowa Food Bank Network or through partner organizations that are coordinating the fundraising effort. Volunteers are also needed to staff the hotline and assist callers during peak hours.
As the state grapples with rising food insecurity, the continuation of the SNAP hotline remains a critical component of Iowa’s safety‑net for families facing hunger.
Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.
